Videos Document Face of America Cycling Journey to Gettysburg

By Richard Rhinehart

Holbrook, New York, May 27, 2015 – A series of short video documentaries of national non-profit World T.E.A.M. Sports’ April 24-26 Face of America bicycle and hand cycle ride from Arlington, Virginia to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania are now available for viewing online.

World T.E.A.M. Sports’ YouTube site hosts the videos of the 2015 Face of America ride.

Created by Talking With Heroes Host Bob Calvert and videographers Andy and Ryan LaPointe, the documentary videos totaling nearly four hours in running time include interviews with participating veteran and civilian riders, sponsors and staff members. The videos also feature segments of the Friday evening Face of America banquet in Arlington, including a musical performance by The American Bombshells and a keynote talk by United States Marine Corps MSgt William “Spanky” Gibson.

“I was totally amazed as I watched and met hundreds of men and women who have served our country,” said Calvert. “To see 140 wounded warriors riding 110 miles from the Pentagon to Gettysburg and to hear their stories – what an honor it was to be a small part of this.”

Videographer Andy LaPointe, who previously had created business videos in Michigan, was assisted in his videography by his teenage son Ryan. “The riders were a family,” recalled LaPointe. “Not only while on the road, but also at the road stations and evening events. The energy of being part of a team and hugeness of the experience could be felt throughout the entire ride. Capturing the fun, the teamwork and the overall experience on film and being able to share this event was an incredible experience.”

“The event went by so fast. Four days seems like a long time, but there wasn’t a time that you wanted the event to be over. It seemed like every moment of the ride was pulling you to the next,” said LaPointe.

Calvert previously had created documentary videos during five trips to Iraq and three to Afghanistan in 2006 to 2011. Documenting progress and “positive stories that most Americans had heard little about” in nearly 300 videos, Calvert used his extensive experience to capture video from throughout the Face of America.

“My mission is to have these videos watched by as many people as we can reach,” said Calvert.

Videographer Andy LaPointe interviews World T.E.A.M. Sports director of communications Richard Rhinehart April 25 at the ride’s first rest area in Maryland. Photograph by David Rhinehart.

With interest in riding in the 2016 Face of America, Calvert said he plans to create a team for the ride. “To be able to experience Face of America with hundreds of veterans and great Americans, that would be incredible.”

The LaPointes also have interest in returning in 2016. “After the final day was over, the memories provided a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction,” said LaPointe. “You knew you were part of an amazing experience.”

The annual 110-mile, two day Face of America ride honors the sacrifices by military veterans in their service to their country. The 2015 ride saw 600 participants from across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Denmark, including nearly 140 injured veterans.

World T.E.A.M. Sports CEO and President Van Brinson welcomes 600 participants to the annual Face of America banquet in Arlington April 24. Videos of the banquet are available online. Photograph by Olivier Douhery.